Abcor, Inc.

Leos J Zeman

Stephen Z Jakabhazy

A microporous polymeric membrane is made by preparing a polymer-casting solution, casting a thin film of the casting solution on a support base, allowing partial evaporation of the solvent from the cast film for a predetermined period of time and contacting the partially evaporated film with a leaching liquid to provide the microporous membrane. A membrane with particularly good mechanical strength and hydrophilic properties is formed when the casting solution comprises a vinylidene fluoride polymer and from about 35 to about 85% by weight of a vinyl acetate polymer; and when the acetate polymer is hydrolyzed after the leaching step to convert the acetate groups to hydroxyl groups.

Microporous polymeric membrane

A process for preparing a microporous polymeric membrane, which process comprises preparing a polymer-casting solution, casting a thin film of the casting solution on a support base, allowing partial evaporation of the solvent from the cast film for a predetermined period of time and contacting the partially evaporated cast film with the microporous leaching liquid to provide a membrane, the improvement which comprises: providing a casting solution which comprises a vinylidene fluoride polymer and from about 35 to about 85% by weight of a vinyl acetate polymer; and hydrolyzing the acetate polymer after the leaching step to convert the acetate groups to hydroxyl groups, to provide an improved membrane having good mechanical strength and hydrophilic properties.

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Winchester, MA, United States of America

Leos J Zeman